2014 Freightliner Columbia and Coronado Glider Kits to Be Converted
Ervin Equipment, Inc., a supplier of new and pre-owned semi-trailers and trucks in the USA and internationally, has expanded its product line to include glider kits with American Power Group Corporation (APG)’s Turbocharged Natural Gas(TM) Dual Fuel Upgrade System. As a result, an initial order of $800,000 was placed through WheelTime Network member Clarke Power Services, Inc. as the lead authorized dealer. The 2014 Freightliner Columbia and Coronado glider kits will be powered by a rebuilt Detroit Diesel Series 60 12.7L engine that has been upgraded with the APG dual-fuel system.
The term glider kit refers to a truck that has a new frame, cab, electrical system, and front axle but must utilize rebuilt systems for two of the three drivetrain components which are the engine, the transmission, or the rear axle. In addition to tax benefits, a glider allows the truck owner to power the vehicle with an older EPA approved emissions class engine. APG’s EPA dual-fuel tests show sustainability improvements that include an 80% reduction in CO and a 25% to 30% reduction in nitrous oxide (NOX) and particulate matter (PM) emissions compared to the base year diesel engine.
Greg Ervin, CEO of Ervin Equipment, Inc., commented, “We believe a natural gas dual-fuel glider kit is one of the most exciting new truck options to hit the market and gives the fleet owner the absolute lowest total cost of ownership in managing their business.”
Ervin explains the APG dual-fuel product line offers customer flexibility to transfer the APG dual-fuel system to another one of their trucks at end of life, and provides the freedom of their non-invasive technology to revert to a 100% diesel operation at the switch of a button. “This dual-fuel capability eliminates a big concern of fleet owners which is being stuck with a dedicated natural gas fleet in the future if the price spread of diesel fuel and natural gas is no longer economically advantageous. The freedom to hedge future risk is a key differentiating factor that fleet owners will appreciate. Blu LNG, a leader in LNG fueling solutions, will be placing a sizable demonstration order for their customers as part of our product launch.”
Lyle Jensen, CEO of APG, stated, “As anticipated, we are seeing a substantial number of dual-fuel glider kit and dual-fuel engine upgrade conversion opportunities being generated through the WheelTime Authorized Dealer Network. We expect to have multiple certified installer locations operating in many major regional markets by the end of the calendar year. The WheelTime Network has more than 180 locations across North America which gives APG a scalable footprint to handle all our expected future growth as the heavy-duty truck industry evolves into full adoption of natural gas vehicles.”
Jensen says 20% to 30% net annual fuel savings are being experienced by existing APG vehicular customers.
In April this year, APG partnered with Fitzgerald Glider Kits and the WheelTime Network, a North American truck service network, to offer the nation’s first natural gas dual-fuel glider.
APG’s dual-fuel technology converts existing diesel engines into more efficient and environmentally friendly engines that have the flexibility to run on: (1) diesel fuel and liquefied natural gas (LNG); (2) diesel fuel and compressed natural gas (CNG); (3) diesel fuel and pipeline or well-head gas; and (4) diesel fuel and biomethane. APG is to feature its CNG and LNG Models at the Great American Truck Show August 22-24, 2013 in Dallas, TX.
